Reduces the opportunity for alienation through monitoring
Mediates a Parenting Plan
Reduces future litigation and court costs
The Parent Coordination Program
For the sake of the children, divorcing parents must continue to communicate with their former spouses in matters of child rearing. Yet, approximately 20-30% of divorcing parents exhibit high conflict behaviors, creating stress for both adult and child. Research indicates that unrelenting parental conflict is the single most common cause of poor adjustment in children following a divorce.
Parent Coordination offers divorcing parents a unique service that may be used during the divorce process or years after. Parents with serious· concerns regarding their co-parent may request, through their attorney, the monitoring services of a Parent Coordinator. Similar to a guardian, a Coordinator is a neutral individual working to ensure parental access and protect children from unnecessary stress.
Parent Coordinators are licensed psychologists who are trained in child development, mediation, and high conflict. All Coordinators are trained through the Cooperative Parenting Institute.
Parent Coordinator Responsibilities
Parent Coordination includes functioning in an ongoing role of guardian, mediator, educator, and case manager.
Goals Include:
Educate co-parents in effective communication skills and anger management.
Shield the children from parental conflict, loyalty binds, and unnecessary stress.
Monitor parental behaviors and parental access and report back to the court only as necessary.
Ensure the execution of the court order or settlement agreement.
Mediate any unresolved issues.
Create a specific Parenting Plan.
Collaborate with all professionals involved with the family.
Determine additional services, such as counseling, random drug screens, parenting classes.
Incorporate follow-up sessions at 3, 6, and 12 months and to be available in the future as needed.
Questions and Answers
1. How is the role of a Parent Coordinator (P.C.) different?
From a mediator? The P.C. mediates primarily parenting issues. However, unlike standard mediation, it is not a confidential process since memos may be sent to the attorneys.
From a Guardian-ad-Litem (G.A.L.)? They are both neutrals who are intended to represent the interests of the children. They both may report to the court/ attorneys and they may have some limited authority. A P.C. is not an attorney and they are not time limited. After the case is closed, the P.C. remains available to the family, yet without any authority.
From a Custody Evaluator? A P.C. is not an extension of a custody evaluation. However, when an evaluation is ordered, the evaluator and P.C. consult which may impact on their final recommendation.
From psychotherapy? A P.C. is a therapist, but they are not doing psychotherapy when they are working as a P.C. There are many differences. For example, a P.C. is directive, keeps a highly structured session, and has a "future" problem solving style.
From a Co-Parentinq Counselor? Unlike a P.C., their process is confidential so they may not report any noncompliance or inappropriate behaviors by the parents. Some co-parent counselors require parents to sign a contract agreeing never to subpoena them to testify. While a P.C. does not want to testify, they may do so if the process breaks down as long as they do so on behalf of the child rather than either parent.
2. What is the cost of the P.C. sessions?
Remember, Parent Coordination is not therapy. Insurance will not reimburse for this service. Please call our office for fees specific to each Parent Coordinator.
3. Are the children or other adults included in the joint sessions?
The children are seen alone once or twice usually at the beginning and end of the program. Ultimately, all "parenting figures" are expected to participate in joint sessions.
4. What is the Combination Format of Cooperative Parenting?
In some situations, parents may participate in a group to learn the educational component with other parents. This saves them both time and money if they can simultaneously attend joint coparent sessions with their P.C.
5. How many sessions are usually required?
Depending on the degree of cooperation, it is approximately 10 to 16 joint sessions. Those parents completing the combination format usually only require about 6 to 8 joint sessions.
6. Is the P.C. granted authority to intervene for the sake of the children?
Usually the P.C. is granted very limited authority through the order or settlement to make simple and temporary modifications. These are done as an experiment to reduce stress for the children. An example might be to change the transfer time or location for a few weeks. Ultimately, a parent's visitation rights cannot be altered in any way. Unless both parents agree to a modification after the trial period, it returns to the original plan as outlined in their order.
7. Is there a specific order or language used to clarify the role of the P.C.?
Yes, it is essential that the language be very specific regarding the role and responsibilities of the P.C. Sample orders are available upon request.
8. How can I get additional information about Parent Coordination?
Contact Psychological Affiliates, Inc., at (407) 740-6838 or use the online contact form to send a message.
Psychological Affiliates continues to offer:
Custody Evaluations
Certified Family Mediation
Psychotherapy for all Age Groups
Judges, attorneys, and guardians are welcome to contact any of our staff to discuss the services we offer. Contact us at (407) 740-6838.
For more information on Parent Coordination For High Conflict Divorce please contact Psychological Affiliates at 407-740-6838 or you may use the online contact form.
